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In this in-depth Bible study from the Gospel of Mark, we dive into Mark 2:23-28, where Jesus confronts the Pharisees over Sabbath laws. Discover how Jesus teaches that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, emphasizing rest, mercy, and freedom over rigid rules. If you're searching for insights on Jesus and the Pharisees, the meaning of the Sabbath in the Bible, or how to find true rest in Christ, this sermon is for you.

A recent study reveals that 43% of Americans feel too busy to rest — yet the Pharisees were so obsessed with Sabbath rules that they missed its true purpose: to provide life-giving rest for people. We'll explore a shocking real-life story from 1992 in Israel, where strict Sabbath observance delayed a fire response, costing dozens of homes. This highlights the burden of man-made traditions versus God's gift of Sabbath rest.

Throughout the Gospels, tension builds between Jesus and religious leaders, and Mark 2 introduces a key conflict over the Sabbath. The Pharisees viewed it as a strict duty to please God, while Jesus saw it as a blessing to help believers. Join us as we unpack the passage verse by verse:

• Mark 2:23: Jesus and His disciples walk through grainfields on the Sabbath, plucking heads of grain—a lawful act under Deuteronomy 23:25, which allows plucking by hand but not harvesting with a sickle.

• The Pharisees had expanded Sabbath laws into 39 categories of prohibited work (from the Mishnah), including “reaping” and “threshing” — even for something as simple as rubbing grain to remove chaff.

• Mark 2:24: The Pharisees accuse the disciples: “Why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” But this was their added rule, not God's original command.

This sermon is perfect for anyone studying the Bible, exploring Christian theology, or seeking spiritual rest amid a busy life. Whether you're a pastor, Bible student, or just curious about Jesus’ teachings, you'll gain fresh insights into mercy, authority, and true Sabbath observance.

We pray that you are blessed by the message!

0:00 Introduction
5:35 Tension Between the Religious Leaders and Jesus
10:48 What They Were Doing Was Lawful (Mark 2:23)
12:25 Harvesting in a Neighbor's Field (Deuteronomy 23:25)
12:57 The Accusation (Mark 2:24)
15:53 How Grain Was Prepared
16:15 Jesus Uses This Process on a Larger Scale to Speak of God’s Judgment (Matthew 3:12)
17:09 Jesus Responds (Mark 2:25-26)
26:52 Mercy Over Sacrifice (Hosea 6:6)
27:36 Jesus Restores the Sabbath’s Original Meaning (Mark 2:27; Hebrews 4:1-11)
30:33 Jesus Claims Authority Over the Sabbath Itself (Mark 2:28)
31:54 The One Given Dominion and Authority by God (Daniel 7:13-14)
35:15 The Sabbath Points to a Deeper Rest, a Rest Only Found in Jesus, Who Is Our Sabbath
35:28 Jesus Finished the Work That We Could Never Work Enough
35:47 Closing prayer

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Calvary Chapel Tucson
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Check out other videos on the same topic as this message: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3Vc6-PEPqZCV_eKesFTDnI1010VUb7qV&si=sq4gDCJnMa3IXLDM

CCLI Streaming License: CSPL061246

Teacher: Robert Furrow
Series: A Study in Mark